Dip Fitness Device

ABSTRACT

A dip fitness device for performing dip exercises is provided. The dip fitness device comprises a central shaft having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis. A base is secured to the first end of the central shaft. A first dip bar having a first end and a second end is provided with the first end of the first dip bar rotatably secured to the second end of the central shaft. A second dip bar having a first end and a second end is provided with the first end of the second dip bar rotatably secured to the second end of the central shaft. The first dip bar and the second dip bar are rotatable in a horizontal plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the central shaft. The first dip bar and the second dip bar are releasably securable at a desired angle relative to each other.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/314,104 filed Mar. 28, 2016, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “Smart Dip Station,” which is incorporated herein by reference as though the same were set forth in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the field of fitness devices, and more specifically to the field of dip fitness devices for triceps providing an ergonomically engineered free standing dip stand with which a user lifts and lowers their body to strengthen the triceps.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Exercise and fitness are a major concern to a great many people. Exercise equipment types range from stair climbing machines and elliptical trainers to rowing machines, free weights, cable guided weight training machines, punching bags, treadmills and stationary bicycles. Stationary bikes and rowing machines promote cardiovascular health through aerobic exercise. Free weights and weight training machines promote a toned and fit body through a gradual, cumulatively more difficult series of muscular contractions required to move a mass against gravitational or other resistance. In weight training, the goal is to sequentially work various muscle groups in isolation, gradually increasing the load and thus developing longer, stronger muscles in every part of one's body. Among persons dedicated to weight training, the expression No Pain, No Gain refers the fact that progress comes with incrementally more difficult, incrementally heavier loads. As the resistance gradually increases, the adherent's muscles become stronger in order to overcome it.

One aspect of weight training employs the weight of one's body as the resistance to be moved. A dip station is an apparatus that operates on this principle. Sometimes consisting of legs at one end of a pivot based weight training bench or sometimes a free standing piece, a dip station is a stably based set of parallel bars between which a user positions their body and grasps one bar with each hand and then alternately lifts and lowers their body between the bars. Dips build strength in the triceps and dip stations also are used for a variety of other exercises including leg raises and modified pushups and pullups. Conventional and current dip stations put one's shoulder joints and rotator cuffs under great strain, resulting in more pain than gain.

The prior art has put forth several designs for exercise equipment. Among these are:

US Patent Publication 201410200123 to Abdon Placide describes an exercise apparatus that includes a plurality of dip bars arranged in a nonparallel orientation and supported on an elongated self supporting stand, which is supported on a base. The stand includes a plurality of elongated supports that are spaced from one another. The support and the dip bars are arranged along first and second parallel planes that extend away from the stand in the same direction.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,246,524 to Ivonne Castillo describes an exercise device with an arc shaped track having a concave side that is mounted upon a support structure that supports the arc shaped track at a position in which the concave side of the arc faces downward and in which the arc shaped track is fixed at a location centered above a user's head to extend to each side of the user. When in use, a track follower engages the track and moves along a length of the track to follow a course defined by the arc shape of the track. A handle is coupled to the track follower to be gripped by the user's hand to guide the user's side to side bends.

US Patent Publication 2012/0142506 to Randal Hetrick and Stephanie Russo describes a device and method that easily provide removable exercise bars from the angled portions of a structure and provide a pair of approximately horizontal bars for exercising. The method includes placing an attachment device having a pair of brackets onto coplanar and nonparallel support members. The attachment device rackets include opening for placing, removing and securing the attachment to the support members. The height of the bars is provided according to the spacing the brackets and the support members.

None of these prior art references describe the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an ergonomically engineered, free standing dip stand with which a user lifts and lowers their body to strengthen the triceps.

The present invention is a dip fitness device for performing dip exercises. The dip fitness device comprises a central shaft having a first end and a second end with the central shaft having a longitudinal axis. A base is secured to the first end of the central shaft. A first dip bar having a first end and a second end is provided with t he first end of the first dip bar rotatably secured to the second end of the central shaft. A second dip bar having a first end and a second end is provided with the first end of the second dip bar rotatably secured to the second end of the central shaft. The first dip bar and the second dip bar are rotatable in a horizontal plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the central shaft. The first dip bar and the second dip bar are releasably securable at a desired angle relative to each other.

In addition, the present invention includes a method for performing dip exercises. The method comprises providing a central shaft having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis, securing a base to the first end of the central shaft, providing a first dip bar having a first end and a second end, providing a second dip bar having a first end and a second end, rotatably securing the first end of the first dip bar to the second end of the central shaft, rotatably securing the first end of the second dip bar to the second end of the central shaft, rotating the first dip bar and the second dip bar in a horizontal plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the central shaft, and releasably securing the first dip bar and the second dip bar at a desired angle relative to each other.

The present invention further includes a dip fitness device for performing dip exercises. The dip fitness device comprises a central shaft having a first end and a second end with the central shaft having a longitudinal axis. A three legged base is secured to the first end of the central shaft with the three legged base having a first leg, a second leg, and a third leg with an angle between the first leg and the third leg and an angle between the second leg and the third leg being equal. A step component is mounted between the first leg and the second leg of the three legged base. A first dip bar having a first end and a second end is provided with the first end of the first dip bar rotatably secured to the second end of the central shaft. A second dip bar having a first end and a second end is provided with the first end of the second dip bar rotatably secured to the second end of the central shaft. The first dip bar and the second dip bar are rotatable in a horizontal plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the central shaft. The first dip bar and the second dip bar are releasably securable at a desired angle relative to each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a dip fitness device, constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view illustrating the dip fitness device of FIG. 1, constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a plurality of dip fitness devices, constructed in accordance with the present invention, showing the fitness device in differing solid colors of black, silver, red and blue.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view illustrating the dip fitness devices, constructed in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, hereinafter referred to as a Dip Fitness Device, indicated generally at 10, is an ergonomically engineered, free standing dip stand with which a user lifts and lowers their body to strengthen the triceps. A dip is a compound, push-type exercise which works a large number of muscles in the chest, shoulders, and arms at the same time. The Dip Fitness Device 10 provides a dip exercise device with an adjustable bar stand that provides all of the benefits of the dip exercise while minimizing strain on the shoulders, hands, and wrists.

The Dip Fitness Device 10 of the present invention includes a central shaft 12 having a first end and a second end. Preferably, the central shaft 12 is constructed from two or more telescoping shaft components allowing the length of the central shaft 12 to be adjustable, i.e., extended and retracted. In accordance with the adjustability, each shaft component 12 includes a series of alignable apertures 14 together with a locking pin 16 insertable in the aligned apertures 14 to releasably secure the central shaft 12 in the desired length. In alternative embodiment, the central shaft 12 is adjustable by a ratcheting mechanism controlled by a foot pedal mechanism wherein upon each depression of the foot pedal, the length of the central shaft 12 is incrementally lengthened and upon full depression of the foot pedal allows the central shaft 12 to retract to the desired location. The central shaft 12 preferably measures approximately two (2″) inches to three (3″) inches in diameter, although having a central shaft 12 with different measurements is within the scope of the present invention.

In addition, the Dip Fitness Device 10 of the present invention includes a tripartite or three legged base 18, secured to the first end of the central shaft 12. The three legged base 18 comprises a first leg 20, a second leg 22, and a third leg 24 with each leg 20, 22, 24 having a substantially flat, planar upper surface and a substantially flat, planar lower surface. The flat lower surface of each leg 20, 22, 24 allows the Dip Fitness Device 10 to be positioned with the greatest stability on a surface.

Each of the first leg 20, the second leg 22, and the third leg 24 of the three legged base 18 of the Dip Fitness Device 10 of the present invention is substantially perpendicular to the central shaft 12. In a preferred embodiment, the finished three legged base 18 measures approximately one and three-quarters (1¾″) inches in thickness. By providing the three legged base 18 the Dip Fitness Device 10 does not rock or wobble and presents a stable exercise environment.

The first leg 20 and the second leg 22 of the three legged base 18 of the Dip Fitness Device 10 of the present invention are positioned at an angle of ninety (90° degrees or less relative to each other, but preferably, no less than forty-five (45° degrees relative to each other. In addition, the third leg 24 is positioned at an angle of one hundred and thirty-five (135° degrees or more relative to both the first leg 20 and the second leg 22, but preferably, no greater than one hundred and fifty-seven and one-half (157½°) degrees relative to the both the first leg 20 and the second leg 22. Preferably, the angle between the first leg 20 and the third leg 24 and the angle between the second leg 22 and the third leg 24 are equal. While the relative position of the first leg 20, the second leg 22, and the third leg 24 are fixed during manufacture, it is within the scope of the present invention for the angles between the first leg 20, the second leg 22, and/or the third leg 24 to be adjustable and releasably secured in a desired angular position.

The first leg 20, the second leg 22, and the third leg 24 of the three legged base 18 of the Dip Fitness Device 10 of the present invention preferably include with thick slip proof rubber coatings or sleeves 26 mounted thereon. In addition, preferably, the bottom surface of the three legged base 18 has non-marring rubber pads 28 to further inhibit slippage.

The Dip Fitness Device 10 of the present invention additionally includes a pair of dip bars, i.e., a first dip bar 30 and a second dip bar 32, each having a first end and a second end with the first ends of the first dip bar 30 and the second dip bar 32 rotatably secured to the second end of the central shaft 12. Each of the first dip bar 30 and the second dip bar 32 are pivotally secured to the central shaft 12 such that the first dip bar 30 and the second dip bar 32 are moveable in a horizontal plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the central shaft 12 allowing the second end of the first dip bar 30 to move to toward and away the second end of the second dip bar 32. A pivoting joint 34, such as a screw or bolt extending through the first end of the first dip bar 30 and the first end of the second dip bar 32 and into the second end of the central shaft 12 with a rotary knob or the like for easily grasping and turning the screw or bolt, forms a vertex at which the first dip bar 30 joins the second dip bar 32 permitting a user to set and lock the first dip bar 30 at a wider or narrower angle relative to the second dip bar 32. The screw or bolt of the pivoting joint 34 is tightenable to releasably secure the first dip bar 30 and the second dip bar 32 in a desired relative position to each other while loosening the pivoting joint 34 allows angle between the first dip bar 30 and the second dip bar 32 to be adjusted. The first dip bar 30 and the second dip bar 32 are engineered as an adjustable V configuration to allow for a wide variety of gripping positions and further target the chest and triceps while minimizing strain on shoulders, rotator cuffs, hands and wrists.

Furthermore, the Dip Fitness Device 10 of the present invention includes a first hand grip 36 mounted on the second end of the first dip bar 30 and a second hand grip 38 mounted on the second end of the second dip bar 32. The first hand grip 36 and the second hand grip 38 allow a user to easily grasp the first dip bar 30 and the second dip bar 32 during use of the Dip Fitness Device 10,

Further yet, the Dip Fitness Device 10 of the present invention includes a step component 40 mounted between the first leg 20 and the second leg 22 of the three legged base 18. The step component 40 assists a user in getting into the dip position on the first dip bar 30 and the second dip bar 32.

The central shaft 12, the three legged base 18, and the dip bars 30, 32 of the Dip Fitness Device 10 of the present invention are preferably constructed from a heavy gauge steel that is powder coated. It should be noted, however, that constructing the central shaft 12, the three legged base 18, and/or the dip bars 30, 32 from a different material, such as Fiberglas, plastic, etc., is within the scope of the present invention so long as the material can support the user during dip exercises.

The Dip Fitness Device 10 of the present invention preferably measures approximately fifty-three (53″) inches in maximum height, approximately thirty-eight (38″) inches in length, and approximately twenty-five (25″) inches to thirty (30″) inches in width. It should be noted that while the Dip Fitness Device 10 has been described as having certain dimensions, is within the scope of the present invention for the Dip Fitness Device 10 to have different dimensions.

The Dip Fitness Device 10 of the present invention is a sturdy and stable construction that is easily adjustable in height, making the Dip Fitness Device 10 highly functional for male and female users of any stature. The V bar configuration of the first dip bar 30 and the second dip bar 32 targets one's chest and triceps muscles directly, for a more effective strength building and toning workout. Durably constructed of a high quality materials and components, and available side variety of colors, the Dip Fitness Device 10 will withstand many years of continued use.

Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. 

1. A dip fitness device for performing dip exercises, the dip fitness device comprising: a central shaft having a first end and a second end, the central shaft having a longitudinal axis; a base secured to the first end of the central shaft; a first dip bar having a first end and a second end, the first end of the first dip bar rotatably secured to the second end of the central shaft; and a second dip bar having a first end and a second end, the first end of the second dip bar rotatably secured to the second end of the central shaft: wherein the first dip bar and the second dip bar are rotatable in a horizontal plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the central shaft; and wherein the first dip bar and the second dip bar are releasably securable at a desired angle relative to each other.
 2. The dip fitness device of claim 1 wherein the central shaft is constructed from two or more telescoping shaft components allowing the length of the central shaft to be adjustable.
 3. The dip fitness device of claim 2 and further comprising: a series of alignable apertures formed in the shaft components; and a locking pin insertable in the aligned apertures to releasably secure the central shaft in the desired length.
 4. The dip fitness device of claim 1 and further comprising: a ratcheting mechanism controlled by a foot pedal mechanism; wherein upon each depression of the foot pedal, the length of the central shaft is incrementally lengthened and upon full depression of the foot pedal allows the central shaft to retract to the desired location.
 5. The dip fitness device of claim 1 wherein the base is a three legged base having a first leg, a second leg, and a third leg, wherein each leg has a substantially flat, planar lower surface.
 6. The dip fitness device of claim 5 wherein each of the first leg, the second leg, and the third leg of the three legged base is substantially perpendicular to the central shaft.
 7. The dip fitness device of claim 5 wherein the first leg and the second leg of the three legged base are positioned at an angle of ninety (90°) degrees or less relative to each other and wherein the third leg is positioned at an angle of one hundred and thirty-five (135°) degrees or more relative to both the first leg and the second leg.
 8. The dip fitness device of claim 5 wherein an angle between the first leg and the third leg and an angle between the second leg and the third leg are equal.
 9. The dip fitness device of claim 5 wherein angles between he first leg, the second leg, and/or the third leg are adjustable.
 10. The dip fitness device of claim 5 and further comprising: slip proof rubber sleeves mounted on each of the first leg, the second leg, and the third leg.
 11. The dip fitness device of claim 5 and further comprising: at least one non-marring rubber pad mounted to the lower surface of each of the first leg, the second leg, and the third leg.
 12. The dip fitness device of claim 1 wherein the first end of the first dip bar and the second end of the second dip bar are secured to the second end of the central shaft by a screw or bolt extending through the first end of the first dip bar and the first end of the second dip bar and into the second end of the central shaft, and further comprising: a rotary knob mounted to a free end of the screw or bolt.
 13. The dip fitness device of claim 1 and further comprising: a first hand grip mounted on the second end of the first dip bar; and a second hand grip mounted on the second end of the second dip bar.
 14. The dip fitness device of claim 1 and further comprising: a step component mounted between the first leg and the second leg of the three legged base.
 15. A method for performing dip exercises, the method comprising: providing a central shaft having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis; securing a base to the first end of the central shaft; providing a first dip bar having a first end and a second end; providing a second dip bar having a first end and a second end; rotatably securing the first end of the first dip bar to the second end of the central shaft; rotatably securing the first end of the second dip bar to the second end of the central shaft; rotating the first dip bar and the second dip bar in a horizontal plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the central shaft, and releasably securing the first dip bar and the second dip bar at a desired angle relative to each other.
 16. A dip fitness device for performing dip exercises, the dip fitness device comprising: a central shaft having a first end and a second end, the central shaft having a longitudinal axis; a three legged base secured to the first end of the central shaft, the three legged base having a first leg, a second leg, and a third leg, an angle between the first leg and the third leg and an angle between the second leg and the third leg being equal; a step component mounted between the first leg and the second leg of the three legged base; a first dip bar having a first end and a second end, the first end of the first dip bar rotatably secured to the second end of the central shaft; and a second dip bar having a first end and a second end, the first end of the second dip bar rotatably secured to the second end of the central shaft; wherein the first dip bar and the second dip bar are rotatable in a horizontal plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the central shaft; and wherein the first dip bar and the second dip bar are releasably securable at a desired angle relative to each other.
 17. The dip fitness device of claim 16 wherein the central shaft is constructed from two or more telescoping shaft components allowing the length of the central shaft to be adjustable.
 18. The dip fitness device of claim 16 wherein each of the first leg, the second leg, and the third leg of the three legged base is substantially perpendicular to the central shaft.
 19. The dip fitness device of claim 16 wherein the first leg and the second leg of the three legged base are positioned at an angle of ninety (90°) degrees or less relative to each other and wherein the third leg is positioned at an angle of one hundred and thirty-five (135°) degrees or more relative to both the first leg and the second leg.
 20. The dip fitness device of claim 16 and further comprising: slip proof rubber sleeves mounted on each of the first leg, the second leg, and the third leg; at least one non-marring rubber pad mounted to the lower surface of each of the first leg, the second leg, and the third leg; a first hand grip mounted on the second end of the first dip bar; and a second hand grip mounted on the second end of the second dip bar. 